In my last post I pointed out how God always teaches us through parables. He makes up stories and then tells them in order to illustrate his truth. This does not mean, though, that his stories did not actually occur or that they are not historically accurate. I believe that the events of Genesis 24 actually happened. I also believe they reveal spiritual truth. What is that truth?

Look at the principle characters here. We see four, Abraham the father, Isaac the son, the faithful servant, and Rebecca the bride. Who do these people represent prophetically? I believe Abraham reveals the heart of Father God who seeks a pure bride for his only Son (Isaac here). Throughout the history of the world God sent forth his Holy Spirit (the servant) to seek a Bride (Rebecca) for his Son.

But, he sends his servant with conditions. The Bride must come from his own family, his own people. The Bride must believe that God is who he said he is. In this parable Rebecca believes the testimony of the servant and goes with him to a new land, a place unknown. Second, the bride must go willingly. Her family gives her opportunity to decline the invitation, but she declares, “I will go with him.” Third, she must go by faith. Rebecca really did not know who this strange servant was. She only heard his testimony, but his words rang true. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” The word was spoken to Rebecca. She heard. She believed. She then walked by faith. Rebecca’s walk of faith then brings her to her promised husband, Isaac.

All of this, of course, pictures the Holy Spirit going throughout the world during the last two thousand years calling a bride for the Father’s Son, Jesus. Only a willing bride may come and only one from God’s own people. This means that the Bride of Christ actually comes out of the people of God, those commonly known as Christians. Jesus said that he also had other “folds” of sheep, so we may be surprised at the identity of some members of this spiritual “Bride.” (No, I do not teach that one may come to God any other way than through Jesus.  “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” he said. “No one comes to the Father except by ME!” I am talking about Jesus’ other folds. Everyone in those other folds will ultimately come to God through and by Jesus.)

Many are called, but few are chosen. Many call themselves Christians today, but few will be chosen as God’s bride. Many believers will be disappointed. Many will be in that company to whom Jesus says, “Depart from me you workers of lawlessness, for I never knew you.” Are these then consigned to Hell and everlasting torment? Well, they do have their place in the Lake of Fire for a time, but so does Hell. But, I get far afield from the parable at hand.

Genesis 24 pictures our Father God sending forth his Holy Spirit as a comforter, a helper, a servant to find a bride for his Son, Jesus. Genesis 24 also includes the first time that God reveals the twin themes of all Scripture, mercy and truth. The Spirit goes forth in mercy and truth (his two witnesses) by which he woos his Bride.